Functionalized Hierarchical ZSM-5 Zeolites for the Viscosity Reduction of Heavy Oil at Low Temperature

Herein, we propose a novel approach to reduce the viscosity of heavy oil by functional hierarchical CTMS-ZSM-5-PTMS zeolites. CTMS-ZSM-5-PTMS zeolites synthesized by asymmetric modification and selective alkali etching can reduce the viscosity of heavy oil through adsorbing asphaltenes. This method can reduce the viscosity of heavy oil from hundreds of thousands mPa·s to about ten thousand mPa·s. The work provides an economical and environmentally friendly candidate for heavy oil viscosity reduction under low-temperature conditions.